City Covered :
Mumbai -
Mysore - Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary - Coonoor - Cochin -Periyar
- Madurai - Karaikudi - Tanjore - Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram -
Chennai
Day 1 : Mumbai - Mysore
Morning take a flight to Bangalore. On arrival in Bangalore you will be met and assisted by our Tour Executive and proceed to the palace city of Mysore(140Kms/3hrs). On Arrival in Mysore transfer to your hotel. Overnight Mysore If you require an overnight stop in Mumbai due to your flight timing, this can be arranged.
Day 2 : Mysore
Morning after Breakfast explore Mysore and the surrounding area. Places of interest include the Maharaja's - a giant indo- saracenic building - the colourful vegetable and flower markets, and Chamundi hill noted for its Nandi temple.Outside Mysore visit the ruins of Tipu Sultan's capital at Srirangapatnam, and Somnathpur, whose star-shaped Kesava temple is considered to be one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture.Overnight in Mysore.
Day 3 : Mysore - Nagarhole National park
85 kms southwest of Mysore lies Nagarhole National park, which claims populations of tiger, leopard and elephant as well as over 250 species of birds. Visit the park by jeep, on elephant back and in a coracle. Stay two nights at the Kabini river Lodge or at water Woods a small six bedroom bungalow, beautifully appointed, and situated on the banks of the Kabini river.Overnight at Nagarhole On Jungle Plan(Which includes All the Jungle activities)
Day 4 : Nagarhole National park
A day to explore Nagarhole, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing - On Jungle Plan Activities. Overnight at Nagarhole.
Day 5 : Nagarhole National park-Ooty
Morning drive to Ooty, a famous hill station in the Nilgiri Hills -Known as Queen Of Hills - offers a relaxing alternative to this bustling town. Overnight at Ooty.
Day 6 : Ooty-Coonoor(Toy Train)-Cochin
Morning transfer to Railway Station to connect Toy train - 3Track to Coonoor enjoy the scenic Beauty of Queen of Hills. The car will meet you at Coonoor and continue the drive to Cochin. Arrive in Cochin in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. Please note that you may wish to consider breaking your journey from Coonoor to Cochin at Kairali Ayurvedic Resort, in the foothills of the Western Ghats, at Pallakad. Kairali is an ideal place for exploring body and soul to revitalize and renew- be it through the magic of Ayurveda, the salubrious climate throughout the year. Their treatments are oriented towards personal goals of guests. To fully experience and enjoy Kairali we would recommend a two night stay. Further details on request.
Day 7 : Cochin
Over the centuries the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all influenced this fascinating city. This morning visit the synagogue, Dutch Palace, St Francis' Church and the spice market. In the late afternoon take a romantic sunset cruise to see some of the nearby islands and the legendary Chinese fishing nets. Evening watch a performance of traditional Kathakali Dancing. Overnight in Cochin
Day 8 : Cochin-Periyar
After breakfast drive along the coast to Alleppey and cruise by motor boat across Vembanad Lake to Kumarakom. Continue on by car to lake Periyar wildlife sanctuary in the cardamom hills. Stay overnight at Periyar Alternatively, you may wish to take a relaxing overnight rice barge cruise on the backwaters, in a Deluxe Houseboat observing the activities of the local people on the banks of the canals and waterways.
Day 9 : Periyar
Early morning and afternoon wildlife viewing by boat; alternatively, take a trek through the forest with a local guide. Afternoon Spice Plantation Tour. Overnight at Periyar
Day 10 : Periyar-Madurai
After breakfast descend from the hills to Madurai (155km/4hrs) Afternoon city tour of Madurai including the colourful and vibrant Meenakshi Temple. Overnight in Madurai
Day 11 : Madurai - Karaikudi
Leave this morning for the region of Chettinad, just 90 kms east of Madurai, and home to the Nattukottai Chettiars, a prosperous banking community, who ventured overseas to Ceylon, Burma and Indo-China in the 19th and 20th centuries and amassed great fortunes. Stay overnight at The Bangala a charming 75 year old Chettinad Bungalow belonging to the Meyyappa Chettiar family that has been sensitively restored into a delightful heritage guesthouse. Explore the area of Chettinad visiting some of the grand mansions that are an architectural delight.
Day 12 : Karaikudi-Trichy
Today visit Trichy whose skyline is dominated by the Rock Fort temple. The temple can be reached by a steep flight of steps cut into a tunnel through the rock. Also visit SriRangam; this superb temple complex is spread over an island in the Cauvery River. The morning rituals on the banks for the Cauvery River at Amma Mandapam are very interesting to see as the families remember their departed relations. Overnight stay in Trichy.
Day 13 : Trichy - Tanjore
Leave this morning for Tanjore noted for the great Brihadeeshwara temple, considered to be one of the most magnificent Chola temples in India. Visit the Art Gallery located in the grounds of the Tanjore Palace and the Saraswati Mahal Library housing ancient palm leaf manuscripts. Overnight stay in Tanjore
Day 14 : Tanjore-Pondicherry
Drive via the temple towns of Kumbakonam and Chidambaram to Pondicherry, a former French colony: the town reveals a lingering continental influence in its architecture and layout. Stay overnight in Pondicherry
Day 15 : Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram
This morning visit the Aurobindo Ashram, founded by a Bengal philosopher in the early 20th century, and continue to Mahabalipuram to explore the stunning temples and giant rock carvings, created by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman in the 7th century. 14 cave temples have been hewn into the cliff face, but even more remarkable are the nine monolithic "Chariot" shrines, each carved from a single boulder, which stand on the seashore. Stay Overnight at Mahabalipuram
Day 16 : Kanchipuram - Chennai
Conclude your journey with a visit to Kanchipuram to see the 7th century Kailasanatha and Vaikuntaperumal temples, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu respectively. Kanchipuram is also noted for its cotton dyeing and silk weaving. This afternoon end your journey at Chennai
Day 1 : Mumbai - Mysore
Morning take a flight to Bangalore. On arrival in Bangalore you will be met and assisted by our Tour Executive and proceed to the palace city of Mysore(140Kms/3hrs). On Arrival in Mysore transfer to your hotel. Overnight Mysore If you require an overnight stop in Mumbai due to your flight timing, this can be arranged.
Day 2 : Mysore
Morning after Breakfast explore Mysore and the surrounding area. Places of interest include the Maharaja's - a giant indo- saracenic building - the colourful vegetable and flower markets, and Chamundi hill noted for its Nandi temple.Outside Mysore visit the ruins of Tipu Sultan's capital at Srirangapatnam, and Somnathpur, whose star-shaped Kesava temple is considered to be one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture.Overnight in Mysore.
Day 3 : Mysore - Nagarhole National park
85 kms southwest of Mysore lies Nagarhole National park, which claims populations of tiger, leopard and elephant as well as over 250 species of birds. Visit the park by jeep, on elephant back and in a coracle. Stay two nights at the Kabini river Lodge or at water Woods a small six bedroom bungalow, beautifully appointed, and situated on the banks of the Kabini river.Overnight at Nagarhole On Jungle Plan(Which includes All the Jungle activities)
Day 4 : Nagarhole National park
A day to explore Nagarhole, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing - On Jungle Plan Activities. Overnight at Nagarhole.
Day 5 : Nagarhole National park-Ooty
Morning drive to Ooty, a famous hill station in the Nilgiri Hills -Known as Queen Of Hills - offers a relaxing alternative to this bustling town. Overnight at Ooty.
Day 6 : Ooty-Coonoor(Toy Train)-Cochin
Morning transfer to Railway Station to connect Toy train - 3Track to Coonoor enjoy the scenic Beauty of Queen of Hills. The car will meet you at Coonoor and continue the drive to Cochin. Arrive in Cochin in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. Please note that you may wish to consider breaking your journey from Coonoor to Cochin at Kairali Ayurvedic Resort, in the foothills of the Western Ghats, at Pallakad. Kairali is an ideal place for exploring body and soul to revitalize and renew- be it through the magic of Ayurveda, the salubrious climate throughout the year. Their treatments are oriented towards personal goals of guests. To fully experience and enjoy Kairali we would recommend a two night stay. Further details on request.
Day 7 : Cochin
Over the centuries the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all influenced this fascinating city. This morning visit the synagogue, Dutch Palace, St Francis' Church and the spice market. In the late afternoon take a romantic sunset cruise to see some of the nearby islands and the legendary Chinese fishing nets. Evening watch a performance of traditional Kathakali Dancing. Overnight in Cochin
Day 8 : Cochin-Periyar
After breakfast drive along the coast to Alleppey and cruise by motor boat across Vembanad Lake to Kumarakom. Continue on by car to lake Periyar wildlife sanctuary in the cardamom hills. Stay overnight at Periyar Alternatively, you may wish to take a relaxing overnight rice barge cruise on the backwaters, in a Deluxe Houseboat observing the activities of the local people on the banks of the canals and waterways.
Day 9 : Periyar
Early morning and afternoon wildlife viewing by boat; alternatively, take a trek through the forest with a local guide. Afternoon Spice Plantation Tour. Overnight at Periyar
Day 10 : Periyar-Madurai
After breakfast descend from the hills to Madurai (155km/4hrs) Afternoon city tour of Madurai including the colourful and vibrant Meenakshi Temple. Overnight in Madurai
Day 11 : Madurai - Karaikudi
Leave this morning for the region of Chettinad, just 90 kms east of Madurai, and home to the Nattukottai Chettiars, a prosperous banking community, who ventured overseas to Ceylon, Burma and Indo-China in the 19th and 20th centuries and amassed great fortunes. Stay overnight at The Bangala a charming 75 year old Chettinad Bungalow belonging to the Meyyappa Chettiar family that has been sensitively restored into a delightful heritage guesthouse. Explore the area of Chettinad visiting some of the grand mansions that are an architectural delight.
Day 12 : Karaikudi-Trichy
Today visit Trichy whose skyline is dominated by the Rock Fort temple. The temple can be reached by a steep flight of steps cut into a tunnel through the rock. Also visit SriRangam; this superb temple complex is spread over an island in the Cauvery River. The morning rituals on the banks for the Cauvery River at Amma Mandapam are very interesting to see as the families remember their departed relations. Overnight stay in Trichy.
Day 13 : Trichy - Tanjore
Leave this morning for Tanjore noted for the great Brihadeeshwara temple, considered to be one of the most magnificent Chola temples in India. Visit the Art Gallery located in the grounds of the Tanjore Palace and the Saraswati Mahal Library housing ancient palm leaf manuscripts. Overnight stay in Tanjore
Day 14 : Tanjore-Pondicherry
Drive via the temple towns of Kumbakonam and Chidambaram to Pondicherry, a former French colony: the town reveals a lingering continental influence in its architecture and layout. Stay overnight in Pondicherry
Day 15 : Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram
This morning visit the Aurobindo Ashram, founded by a Bengal philosopher in the early 20th century, and continue to Mahabalipuram to explore the stunning temples and giant rock carvings, created by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman in the 7th century. 14 cave temples have been hewn into the cliff face, but even more remarkable are the nine monolithic "Chariot" shrines, each carved from a single boulder, which stand on the seashore. Stay Overnight at Mahabalipuram
Day 16 : Kanchipuram - Chennai
Conclude your journey with a visit to Kanchipuram to see the 7th century Kailasanatha and Vaikuntaperumal temples, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu respectively. Kanchipuram is also noted for its cotton dyeing and silk weaving. This afternoon end your journey at Chennai